After what’s been a promising summer transfer window so far, Leeds United have a few players who could yet take the Championship by storm this season.
In their opening Premier League game of the season, Leeds United beat Everton 1-0, and fans were impressed with a few performances with new signing Anton Stach looking lively and midfielder Ao Tanaka proving to be the key player on the night.
The Japanese midfielder only arrived in England last summer, impressing in the Championship and now looking like he could take the Premier League by storm too.
But there are others as well, and a report from ESPN has labelled one Harry Gray as a potential Leeds United breakout player this season.
Photo by Harry Trump/Getty ImagesLeeds United starlet Harry Gray tipped for 2025/26 breakthrough
Last season, Gray made his senior debut in Leeds United’s 6-0 win over Stoke City in the Championship. Joel Piroe scored four goals that day, but it was a memorable one for Gray, who is very well regarded at Elland Road, with many hoping that he can go on to follow in the footsteps of older brother Archie Gray who joined Spurs from Leeds United last summer in a £30m deal.
Currently on a scholarship, Leeds United must wait until Gray turns 18 to hand him a long-term deal, which will be in October 2026. That could in turn prompt Daniel Farke to give Gray some first-team minutes in the Premier League this season, and ESPN believe the 16-year-old striker is one to keep an eye on in the 2025-26 campaign.
They write: “Gray is a proper wildcard in Leeds’ attack… The younger brother of Tottenham defender Archie Gray, Harry brings the same remarkable maturity – only higher up the pitch – with incisive runs across the line, fine first touches, close control in crowded spaces and a natural calm in front of goal.
“Playing time will obviously be carefully managed at his age, yet his level already looks high enough to get a taste of Premier League football and Leeds have a history of blooding young players if they are good enough.”
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Joel Piroe’s verdict on Harry Gray’s quality at Leeds United
Speaking recently, Gray’s fellow strike partner Piroe gave his verdict on the young Leeds striker. Piroe insisted that Gray still needs time to improve his game, despite having shown some early promise.
Piroe explained: “I think he [Gray] still needs to improve a lot, but he’s showing he’s doing really well and I’m happy for him that he gets a chance as well to have a taste of what it feels like to be on the pitch, to be in and around the team.”
And just a few days after that, Gray scored twice in Leeds Under-21s’ opening Premier League 2 game of the season. The young Whites beat Aston Villa 3-0 on the day with Gray looking sharp.
Should Farke keep his first-team striker options as they are, then Gray could well be fourth choice for this season, or potentially even third choice should one of Piroe, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, or Lukas Nmecha pick up an injury.
Then come the end of the season, if Leeds United are safe then Farke may be inclined to give Gray some additional minutes in the Premier League ahead of what could be a big season next time round for the teenager.